Staff Spotlight
Third in our staff spotlight series is Uka Luvsansambuu, Uka joined us earlier this year after having completed his master’s at the MSA. With prior experience as a Part 1 working on residential schemes in the city, Uka has been actively involved in the Hotspur Press project since joining the practice and recently embarked on his Part III course to become a fully qualified architect.
◾ Which project or building do you admire the most, and why?
The Preston service station tower is one that strikes out to me, it’s pretty iconic every time I drive past it, and I find it a good way finder and a constant friendly symbol whenever I am going to the lakes. I think that’s
what good architecture should do, striking your attention, causing a thought, and evoking an emotion.
◾ What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
That I have the same first and surname. Uka is a given name; it is common for Mongolians to all have nicknames as our names are all so long!
◾ What’s your favourite piece of music, wither for working along to in the studio or outside!
I enjoy a bit of everything, but recently I have been going to Bridgewater Hall and exploring some live classical music! The experience of going to watch an orchestra is special
◾ What’s your favourite part of the design process?
I love the early conceptual design stages which consist of loose sketches of tracing paper, several ideas and an exciting concept!
◾ Do you have a favourite book or what are you reading currently?
I am currently reading ‘From emperor to citizen’ by Pu Yi, the last emperor of China before the republican revolution. I went to Beijing earlier this year and visited the forbidden city, it was fascinating to see where he lived and so couldn’t resist a firsthand account from the emperor himself. There is a Hollywood movie called ‘The last emperor’, which I also recommend!